Al-Farabi

Joseph P. Ocampo
Al-Farabi
Born: 872 AD
Kazakhstan
Died: 950 Ad
Damascus
Religion: Islam
Era: Islamic Golden Age
Interests: Political Philosophy,
Metaphysics, Logic, Law,
music, science, mysticism,
epistemology
Notable Works: The Virtuous City,
Civil Policy
 Al-Farabi as the “Second Teacher”

Al-Farabi is considered as the

Second Teacher with the great
Aristotle only preceding him. This
was due to Al-Farabi’s mastery of
the works of Aristotle.

1st

2nd
On Al-Farabi’s Political Philosophy
Al-Farabi is prominently known for his political
Philosophy. Happiness or Saeada in Arabic (‫ )سعادة‬was his
central view on Politics. He made use of Plato and Aristotle’s
work to develop a philosophy fit for the Islamic world.
 Political Philosophy
The ultimate goal of the human person is to achieve saeda.
We can do this by living virtuous lives and accepting God or
Allah into our lives. Therefore politics should serve that
purpose of ensuring happiness of the state.

ALLAH
‫سعادة‬
 Political Philosophy
Al-Farabi’s ideal state is hierarchic same that of the Republic
proposed by Plato. Instead of a Philosopher king, Al-Farabi’s
ideal leader of a state is a Philosopher prophet; one who
posses superior intellect therefore capable of receiving diving
revelations.
 Al-Farabi’s Legacy
1. Revived political philosophy and integrated it
into a society dominated by religion
2. Claimed that revelation is inferior to reason
3. Emphasized importance of education